Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 10, 2025

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Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple

Shepherd's pie is a timeless comfort food, but the thought of making it from scratch can seem daunting. Fear not! This easy shepherd's pie recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up this classic dish without a special trip to the grocery store.

• For the meat filling:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
• For the mashed potato topping:
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these easy-to-follow instructions for a perfect Shepherd's Pie every time.

Making the Meat Filling:

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Brown the meat: Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Simmer the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add the peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes, until heated through.

Making the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2. Mash and mix: Return the potatoes to the pot and mash with a potato masher or electric mixer. Stir in the milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling and Baking the Shepherd's Pie:

1. Layer the filling: Pour the meat filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Top with mashed potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. You can create a decorative swirl or leave it smooth.
3. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
4. Rest and serve: Let the Shepherd's Pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Shepherd's Pie:

• Don't overcook the meat: Overcooked meat will be dry. Cook it until just browned and then simmer in the sauce.
• Use good quality potatoes: Fluffy potatoes are key to a great mashed potato topping. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best.
• Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat filling, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Make it ahead: The meat filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.

This easy shepherd's pie recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Enjoy this comforting classic! Remember to share your delicious creations using #easyshepherdspie.